8 Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in Maine (2024)

There is something magical about Maine’s Lake bodies that people from near and far keep coming drawn towards them. Maine is understandably tied to the ocean, but it is also a wonderland for lake lovers. Within the boundaries of the state are at least 2,677 unnamed lakes or ponds, at least 1,022 named lakes that are too small to consider, and about 222 lakes that are named, popular, and loved by nature and recreation lovers. Since the number of lakes in Maine is literally too many, they have been organized by county, city, and town.

The Lakes in Maine are located all across the state, from its lowland coast to high mountains and everywhere in between. Lakes are in the middle of the cities, deep down in the forests, by a roadside, or may beautifully be lying on someone’s private property. However, the majority of them are accessible to the public and open for recreational opportunities. Here are some of Vacationland’s popular Lakes that every single person should add to their itinerary.

8 Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in Maine

The list below consists of the Best Lakes in Maine, defining beauty and adventure both. Have a look:

1. The Bowl Lake

The Bowl is a small lake or pond in the Acadia vernacular within the Acadia National Park. This high altitude picturesque water body is tucked right below ‘The Beehive’ into the mountainside on the south end of Champlain Mountain. The lake is reachable via the Bowl Trail and is a popular summer spot amongst both locals and tourists. The Bowl Trail is moderately difficult and is no more than 1.2 miles out and back. An average hiker can complete this trek in no more than 45 minutes without facing many difficulties. The trail is majorly quiet throughout the year and is popular for hiking, cycling, and jogging. Whereas upon reaching the lake, enthusiasts indulge in activities like swimming or picnicking on the rocks. Given its high altitude, the water of Bowl Lake is quite cold; therefore, check before you dive. The lake’s view from a nearby elevation is too quiet and enjoyable.

2. Jordan Pond

Another water body in Acadia National Park, the Jordan Pond, is Maine’s clearest lake. The water here is so clear that an average visibility depth of 46 feet is noticed throughout. Not just that, but visibility as high as 60 feet too has been observed in several instances, making it the highest ever recorded in Maine. The Jordan pond covers an area of 75 hectares and boasts a beautiful 3.6 miles shoreline. The water body, though, is the smallest but yet it is one of the most visited lakes in Maine. Even though when Jordan Pond isn’t operational for swimming, people still visit it for its beauty, serenity, and other recreational opportunities. The lake is meant for launching non-motorized boats, including canoes, and kayaks, via the Jordan Pond North parking, an accessible launch site. Though if water isn’t your craft, you can hike along the trail that encircles the Jordan Pond and admire its gorgeousness. Nearby the pond is the popular Jordan House, known for its tea, coffee, and snacks.

3. Moosehead Lake

A gorgeous lake in Maine, Moosehead Lake is where tranquility meets adventure. Largest of all lakes in Maine, the Moosehead Lake covers an area of 305.3 km², a length of 64 km, a width of 16 km, and a surface elevation of 314 m. This deep coldwater lake is also the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States. Whether you are a nature lover or seeking some outdoor recreation, a visit to this lake is absolutely worth it. Moosehead Lake is popular for fun and recreational activities like seaplane tours, scenic cruising, whitewater rafting, canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing. Though what makes the charm here are the guided moose or wildlife safaris that provide opportunities to see the majestic beasts up close and in person. The wilderness around Moosehead Lake is also popular for fall foliage fantasies, especially during the early fall season. Moosehead Lake’s best foliage season lasts around Columbus Day during the second week of October. Other popular places to check out around the lake include a winery and a few museums.

4. Sebago Lake

The deepest and second-largest lake, Sebago Lake, is a dream for every lake lover. It has a mean depth of 101 feet, whereas its deepest point goes to 316 feet. Sebago lake is located in Central Maine Cumberland County and is popular for both its scenic beauty and fun opportunities. Operating as one of Maine’s popular tourist attractions, it offers recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, and other water-based sports. On the north shore of Sebago Lake is the namesake State Park that boasts woodland walking trails, a beautiful sandy beach, a playground, a boat launching area, concessions, restrooms, and several picnic areas. Not only that, but the park is also home to 250 campsites on 1400 acres, and it includes everything from cabins to traditional tenting and deluxe lakeside RV sites. No matter what range of opportunities Sebago Lake offers, camping here will always remain the most talked about. For an authentic lakeside vacation, the area also boasts several resorts with private beach access along with traditional lodges.

5. Echo Lake

Acadia National Park is full of lakes, and Echo Lake is another one in its bundle. Located in the towns of Fayette, Mount Vernon, and Readfield, Echo Lake is a scenic freshwater lake that covers 237 acres at ease. The lake goes 65 feet to its maximum depth and therefore accounts for surprisingly warmer water. Echo Lake is a great destination for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, lounging on the beach, and hiking in the surrounding area. The trail, though, is available from easy to strenuous levels, and everyone from beginners to experts can explore them. During the summer month, Echo Lake has lifeguards on duty, and therefore swimming here is absolutely safe. A popular sight here is the 829-foot Beech Mountain that borders Echo Lake from its west side and adds a scenic backdrop to the picture. Nature photographers can find endless opportunities to click and capture here. Plus, when done with all that, there are plenty of places to eat and dine nearby the lake.

6. Cobbosseecontee Lake

Some may find the name a little tricky to pronounce, but Cobbosseecontee Lake is much more than being a tongue twister. Also known as Cobbossee Lake, it is located in central Maine, about two miles west of Augusta, and is the largest of the region. Cobbosse, though narrow, runs way too long from Manchester through the southwest along an irregular shoreline covering over seven miles. Like many other Maine lakes, it is popular for activities like swimming, fishing, paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and Camping. To take advantage of it has two boat launching facilities. However, the most exciting feature of Cobbosseecontee Lake is the small Ladies Delight Lighthouse. Though not accessible from the inside, individuals can take a boat out towards Ladies Delight Island and observe the lighthouse from a distance. The lake also boasts a small beach area on Winthrop Beach Road.

7. Long Lake

Long Lake is literally an 11-mile-long lake that stretches through the towns of Bridgton, Harrison, and Naples. Carved by glaciers, the lake is surrounded by rocks and coves that enhance its beauty. To enjoy the stretch of the lake, there are plenty of ways to include seaplane tours, boating, or just enjoying the mesmerizing views from the causeway. Besides that, the Long lake is obviously famous for activities like swimming, boating, bird watching, Camping, and fishing. Catches including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, northern pike, yellow and brown bullhead, and bluegill are quite common here. Surrounding the lake are several restaurant patios and decks that offer a glimpse of White Mountain at a distance. Given the water is clear and beautiful and the people around are family, Long Lake is definitely a must-visit lake in Maine.

8. Millinocket Lake

Last but not least on our list is Millinocket Lake in Maine. Also, the gateway to Mount Katahdin, Millinocket, has more of a secluded and tranquil vibe. The lake is pristine and isolated, 9 miles from the namesake city in northwest Maine. It covers an area of 2,701 acres and has a depth of 52 feet, and the water temperature here during summer remains a mild 70 degrees. While paddling on this pristine water body, individuals can observe spectacular views of Mount Katahdin to the northwest. Though despite the opportunities, boat traffic here is usually light, even during the summer season. The lake on its northeast shore also features two remote sandy beaches, both of which are accessible only by boat. Both the spots, though, are ideal for swimming and shore lunches. Millinocket Lake is also home to white and yellow perch, landlocked salmon, and togue (lake trout), which make it ideal for swimming. However, angling pressure is light here and only meant for hobby fishing.